Shingles Treatment Option: Uses, Variations, and Security Considerations for Cayenne
Topical products containing capsaicin, known for its spicy properties in cayenne pepper, are becoming popular options for managing pain associated with shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Capsaicin, a compound that gives cayenne its heat, can be found in various topical products such as creams, ointments, and patches. However, it's essential to exercise caution, as allergy or sensitization to cayenne pepper is rare, but individuals with unusual symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction should stop using it.
For those with asthma, there may be increased sensitivity to capsaicin. Therefore, it's best to consult a healthcare professional before using any products containing capsaicin.
Shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can be debilitating. If you think you have shingles, it's crucial to contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are antiviral drugs that can help to reduce the duration and severity of shingles.
If people are experiencing ongoing pain, they can talk with a doctor about using a pain relief medication, including those that contain capsaicin. Repeated treatments with 8% capsaicin patches over the course of 12 months may be helpful in the sustained reduction of pain in people with PHN.
A 2019 review suggests that 8% topical capsaicin medications were safe and effective for older adults, with minimal risk of interactions with other drugs. In fact, the FDA has approved the 8% capsaicin patch for postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles rash resolves).
The effectiveness of capsaicin comes from its ability to deplete substance P, a pain neurotransmitter, from sensory nerves by activating TRPV1 receptors, leading to longer-term pain relief after initial burning fades with repeated or patch application. Topical capsaicin has been shown in clinical data to be moderately effective in reducing neuropathic pain intensity for weeks to months, regardless of dose or site, including for PHN.
Other topical options for shingles-related pain include lidocaine patches and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications; capsaicin is often recommended when topical anesthetics or oral treatments are insufficient. Common side effects include an initial burning or stinging sensation at the application site, which usually diminishes with continued use or after patch removal.
It's important to note that high doses of capsaicin may cause peptic ulcers, enhance breast cancer metastasis, speed up the development of stomach, duodenal, liver, and prostate cancer. Therefore, proper application techniques are necessary to minimize side effects, and treatment is mostly used under medical supervision for PHN.
Cayenne peppers, originating from South America, have been traditionally used for cooking and medicinal purposes. When using topical capsaicin products, it's crucial to avoid getting them near any mucus membranes or the eyes, and to avoid applying them straight after swimming, bathing, sunbathing, or strenuous exercise.
In summary, high-concentration capsaicin patches are strongly recommended and clinically validated for PHN pain management, while lower concentration topical forms may offer some symptomatic relief for shingles-associated pain but are less potent. Proper application techniques and medical supervision are essential for safe and effective use.
- Some people may find relief from shingles-associated pain using topical CBD products, as they can interact with your skin's receptors to reduce inflammation and potentially alleviate pain.
- For those who have mental-health concerns or a history of anxiety, it's worth considering the potential calming effects of CBD and its role in improving skin-care routines, as it's often used in various wellness products.
- As shingles can lead to long-term health complications like mental health issues and skin damage, maintaining a well-rounded approach to health-and-wellness is crucial during and after recovery periods, including exploring alternative pain management options like CBD.
